They appeared as soon as the weather warmed up: High alert in seven districts of Istanbul

With the summer season making its effect felt in Istanbul, snakes have begun to be seen in urban areas. Snakes have been encountered in homes, workplaces, streets, and vehicles, particularly in the districts of Küçükçekmece, Büyükçekmece, Başakşehir, Avcılar, Sultangazi, Arnavutköy, and Eyüpsultan, which are close to rural areas. The fact that snakes, whose habitats have shrunk due to increased construction, are descending into the city center has caused concern among local residents.

FIRE DEPARTMENT TEAMS MOBILIZED

Receiving numerous reports following the sightings of snakes in residential areas, the Istanbul Fire Department intervened at the scenes wearing protective gear. The captured snakes were placed in special cages and released back into the wild. However, in some cases, citizens felt threatened and were forced to kill the snakes themselves.

SNAKE PANIC AT A WORKPLACE

A snake that entered a workplace in the Firuzköy neighborhood of Avcılar caused panic among employees. Upon receiving the report, fire department teams arrived at the scene, secured the perimeter, and removed the snake without causing it any harm. The snake was released back into the wild.

THEY WERE SEEN ON STREETS AND IN A CEMETERY

A snake seen in a cemetery in Sultangazi was killed by citizens who thought it was venomous. Another snake spotted around the Sazlıbosna Dam in Arnavutköy was thrown into the pond with a stick.

In the Şahintepe neighborhood of Başakşehir, a snake seen on a street where children were playing was killed by adults in the area using brushes and sticks. Meanwhile, a snake seen on a street in Büyükçekmece caught the attention of a cat.

News Source: 12punto